Australia and New Zealand’s local fighters did themselves proud at UFC Sydney on Sautrday, with Anthony Perosh and James Te Huna leading the charge, both light heavyweights winning in dominant fashion in the first round.
Perosh, fighting Canadian Nick Penner survived a huge early hit, before rallying to respond with a right hook which opened a severe cut on Penner.
From there, Perosh dominated the Canadian, taking him down to the ground in a dominant position and landing strikes at will. The referee waited until the finals seconds of the round before waving off the Australian, giving him the TKO win.
“I felt great today, it all went to plan. I’m so happy to win in my hometown again and make it three in a row. The crowd gave me that extra buzz to get in there and get the job done,” said Perosh.
“Nick worked very well to defend the submissions I was going for and wanted. So as soon as I heard the ten second warning, I knew time was running out, so I got up on top and threw as many punches as I could instead”
“It’s taken me 10 years to get to the top of my game, but I’m here and I’m ready for my next challenge. The light heavyweight division is stacked, but I feel I’m climbing up that ladder.”
Perosh moves to 13-6, and on a three fight winning streak in the UFC.
James Te Huna started his bout against veteran Aaron Rosa strongly, unleashing a flurry of attacks from the outset. The Kiwi landed a number of heavy hits that rocked American Rosa, putting him firmly on the backfoot and in trouble.
Te Huna didn’t let up, continuing to attack until the referee waved off Te Huna to huge applause.
“After Rosa’s first two combos, I knew I had the speed advantage and that’s what won me the fight,” said Te Huna.
“He had a lot of power behind those punches and had me worried at one point. I returned fire with an uppercut that troubled him and from there I turned on the pressure and tempo.”
“Today showed that even though I’m one of the smaller light heavyweights, I have my own strengths and can finish fights.”
Te Huna’s win gave him his second straight win to move to 16-6.
Dubbo’s Kyle Noke looked dangerous early in his bout against the USA’s Andrew Craig, but tired in the later rounds to lose a close decision, with the Texan picking up a win in his UFC debut.
Noke was understandably downcast after the fight.
“I’m very upset at the loss, especially in front of a home crowd. Andrew was a really tough opponent and it didn’t go my way tonight,” Noke said.
Craig had the crowd against him but rallied to take the win.
“Noke throws hard and he came at it early one. I knew I had to just keep coming at him.”
“I calmed down in the second and third round and took the fight back to my game plan. I knew I had to win the second and third rounds.”
“I understand the whole crowd was behind one man and it really didn’t bother me. I’m just happy with the win.”
Noke’s loss pushes him to 19-6-1, and on his second loss in a row.
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